Treatments for SZ

Question 1

Give intro to antipsychotic drugs

Answer 1

• most common treatment for sz
• depending on severity of their psychosis some may only be a short cause of antipsychotics whereas others may require them for a life time or face reoccurrence of symptoms
• there are two types typical (traditional) - used more often

and atypical (newer) - used if symptoms do not improved

Question 2

What is Typical antipsychotics and give an example

Answer 2

Chlorpromazine

• dopamine antagonists they reduce levels of DA in brain

Question 3

How does chlorpromazine work?

Answer 3

• works by binding to the D2 receptors on post synpatic neurone reducing action of D
• reducing action of D which reduces D levels leads to a reduction in + symptoms such as hallucinations
• also used as a sedative can be used to calm patients

Question 4

What is Atypical antipsychotics give an example

Answer 4

Clozapine

• 2nd gen act upon NT’s dopamine and serotonin

Question 5

How does Atypical antipsychotics work?

Answer 5

• binds to D2 dopamine receptor sites reducing + symptoms such as hallucinations
• also act as agonists upon serotonin receptor sites 2A/2C to increase levels of serotonin
• this action reduces - symptoms of sz such as lack of emotions as it helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients

Question 6

Which type of antipsychotics have fewer side effects?

Answer 6

Atypical (clozapine) as have less action on dopamine system

Question 7

Outline one difference be Atypical and Typical antipsychotics

Answer 7

treat both +/- only treat -
act upon dopamine and serotonin only dopamine

Question 8

Why are typical antipsychotics used first?

Answer 8

• atypical associated w life threatening illness agranulocytosis
  blood conditions where low levels of WBC
• prevents I fighting disease/illness
• if patient prescribed clozapine they will be regular monitored w blood tests

Question 9

Give RTS for antipsychotics

Answer 9

P - effectiveness Thornley meta analysis
E - 13 studies w a total of 1121 ppts investigating chlorpromazine against placebo
E - typical was associated better w overall functioning and reduced symptom severity

F - Meltzer concluded that clozapine atypical was more effective by 30-50% of treatment resistant cases

L - supporting that antipsychotics are an effective treatment for both +- symptoms of sz

Question 10

Give CA to RTS antipsychotics

Answer 10

Healey found srs flaws w evidence

most studies are short term affects only and some successful trials published several times w exaggerated results

Question 11

Give a strength of SZ

Answer 11

P - reqs little motivation + commitment
E - patient only takes tablet in order to reduce symptoms of sz

E - unlike cognitive behaviour which reqs motivation from patients to attend sessions and engage in them in order to identify + challenge irrational thoughts such as delusions

> may be difficult person w sz as may not have acc perception of reality

it is beneficial w those struggling w avolition as they receive immediate + effects on their symptoms

L - therefore drug therapy more appropriate tream then CBT BECAUSE it is more accessible treatment across the symptoms

Question 12

Give a weakness of CBT

Answer 12

P - negative side effects

E - typical antipsychotics such as clozapine can produce motor movement side effects such as Parkinsonism

E - moreover atypical carries risk of agranulocytosis unlike CBT as this involves a person identifying and challenging irrational beliefs w out the use of drugs there are - and potentially life threatening side effects

L - therefore drug therapy may not be appropriate for all patients as side effects reduce effectiveness as some ppl may stop taking them resulting in relapse symptoms